Server, server control method, server control program, vehicle, vehicle control method, and vehicle control program

ABSTRACT

A server includes a server communication unit, a server control unit, and a server storage unit, and is connected in a communicable manner to a first vehicle and a second vehicle via the server communication unit. The server control unit transmits an imaging start command to the second vehicle, which runs within a predetermined range from an accident site, in response to the reception of an accident notification associated with positional information on the accident site from the first vehicle, receives an imaged image from the second vehicle, and stores the imaged image into the server storage unit.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/695,301,filed Nov. 26, 2019 which claims the benefit of Japanese PatentApplication No. 2019-007166 filed on Jan. 18, 2019 including thespecification, drawings and abstract is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The disclosure relates to a server, a server control method, a servercontrol program, a vehicle, a vehicle control method, and a vehiclecontrol program.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventionally, there is known an emergency notification system thattransmits, to a control center, an image photographed by a vehicleinvolved in an accident and representing a periphery of the vehicle(e.g., Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-225777 (JP2008-225777 A)).

SUMMARY

The image received by the control center is photographed by the vehicleitself involved in the accident, and hence provides a limited viewpoint.In consequence, the control center may not be able to grasp the accuratesituation of the accident.

It is an object of the disclosure, which has been made in view of theabove-mentioned problem, to provide a server, a server control method, aserver control program, a vehicle, a vehicle control method, and avehicle control program that make it possible to more accurately graspthe situation of an accident.

A server according to one embodiment of the disclosure is a server thatincludes a server communication unit, a server control unit, and aserver storage unit. The server is configured to be able to communicatewith a first vehicle and a second vehicle via the server communicationunit. The server control unit transmits an imaging start command to thesecond vehicle, which runs within a predetermined range from an accidentsite, in response to reception of an accident notification associatedwith positional information on the accident site from the first vehicle,receives an imaged image from the second vehicle, and stores the imagedimage into the server storage unit.

A server control method according to one embodiment of the disclosure isa server control method for a server that includes a servercommunication unit, a server control unit, and a server storage unit.The server is connected in a communicable manner to a first vehicle anda second vehicle via the server communication unit. The method includesa step of transmitting an imaging start command to the second vehicle,which runs within a predetermined range from an accident site, inresponse to reception of an accident notification associated withpositional information on the accident site from the first vehicle, anda step of receiving an imaged image from the second vehicle and storingthe imaged image into the server storage unit.

A server control program according to one embodiment of the disclosurecauses a server that includes a server communication unit, a servercontrol unit, and a server storage unit and that is connected in acommunicable manner to a first vehicle and a second vehicle via theserver communication unit to carry out a step of transmitting an imagingstart command to the second vehicle, which runs within a predeterminedrange from an accident site, in response to reception of an accidentnotification associated with positional information on the accident sitefrom the first vehicle, and a step of receiving an imaged image from thesecond vehicle and storing the imaged image into the server storageunit.

A vehicle according to one embodiment of the disclosure is a vehiclethat is equipped with a communication unit, a storage unit, a controlunit, and an imaging unit. The vehicle is configured to be able tocommunicate with a server or another vehicle via the communication unit.The control unit determines a position of the own vehicle in response toreception of an accident notification associated with positionalinformation on an accident site from the server or the another vehicle,starts imaging through use of the imaging unit when it is determinedthat the own vehicle runs within a predetermined range from the accidentsite, stores an imaged image into the storage unit, and transmits theimaged image via the communication unit.

A vehicle control method according to one embodiment of the disclosureis a vehicle control method for a vehicle that is equipped with acommunication unit, a storage unit, a control unit, and an imaging unit.The vehicle is configured to be able to communicate with a server oranother vehicle via the communication unit. The method includes a stepof determining a position of the own vehicle in response to reception ofan accident notification associated with positional information on anaccident site from the server or the another vehicle, a step of startingimaging through use of the imaging unit when it is determined that theown vehicle runs within a predetermined range from the accident site,and a step of storing an imaged image into the storage unit andtransmitting the imaged image via the communication unit.

A vehicle control program according to one embodiment of the disclosurecauses a vehicle that is equipped with a communication unit, a storageunit, a control unit, and an imaging unit and that is configured to beable to communicate with a server or another vehicle via thecommunication unit to carry out a step of determining a position of theown vehicle in response to reception of an accident notificationassociated with positional information on an accident site from theserver or the another vehicle, a step of starting imaging through use ofthe imaging unit when it is determined that the own vehicle runs withina predetermined range from the accident site, and a step of storing animaged image into the storage unit and transmitting the imaged image viathe communication unit.

The server, the server control method, the server control program, thevehicle, the vehicle control method, and the vehicle control programaccording to the disclosure make it possible to more accurately graspthe situation of the accident.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance ofexemplary embodiments of the disclosure will be described below withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals denotelike elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an overall view of an information processing system of one ofthe embodiments;

FIG. 2A is a functional block diagram of a first vehicle of the presentembodiment;

FIG. 2B is a functional block diagram of a server of the presentembodiment;

FIG. 2C is a functional block diagram of a second vehicle of the presentembodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary image imaged by the first vehicle;

FIG. 4 is a view showing a first example of data that are stored into astorage unit of the present embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a view showing a second example of data that are stored intothe storage unit of the present embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary image imaged by the second vehicle; and

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of a process that is performed in theinformation processing system of the present embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments of the disclosure will be described hereinafter throughthe use of the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall view of an information processing system S of oneof the embodiments. The information processing system S includes a firstvehicle 1, a server 2, and a second vehicle 3. The first vehicle 1 andthe second vehicle 3 of the present embodiment are, for example, motorvehicles, but should not be limited thereto. The first vehicle 1 and thesecond vehicle 3 may be any types of vehicles. For the sake ofsimplified explanation, the single first vehicle 1, the single server 2,and the single second vehicle 3 are shown in FIG. 1. However, the numberof first vehicles 1, the number of servers 2, and the number of secondvehicles 3 may each be equal to or larger than one. The first vehicle 1,the server 2, and the second vehicle 3 are configured to be able tocommunicate with one another via a network NW including, for example, amobile communication network, the Internet or the like.

First of all, the outline of a process that is performed by theinformation processing system S of the present embodiment will bedescribed. When it is determined that the first vehicle 1 has gotinvolved in an accident while running (e.g., when it is determined thatthe first vehicle 1 has got involved in a rear-end accident), the firstvehicle 1 transmits an accident notification to the server 2. The server2 that has received the accident notification transmits an imaging startcommand to the second vehicle 3, which runs within a predetermined rangefrom an accident site. The second vehicle 3 that has received theimaging start command images an image, and transmits the imaged image tothe server 2.

As described hitherto, according to the present embodiment, the server 2can collect the image of the first vehicle 1 at the accident site fromthe second vehicle 3, which runs around the accident site. Inconsequence, the server 2 can grasp in an overviewing manner thesituation of the accident from therearound, and hence can moreaccurately grasp the situation of the accident. For example, the server2 can determine, through the use of image analysis as will be describedlater, how many emergency motor vehicles are needed, and notify thepolice, the fire department or the like thereof. Therefore, the damagecan be restrained from spreading.

The internal configurations of the first vehicle 1, the server 2, andthe second vehicle 3 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the first vehicle 1 is equipped with an imagingunit 11, a positional information acquisition unit 12, a storage unit13, a control unit 14, a communication unit 15, and an input/output unit16.

The imaging unit 11 includes a so-called in-vehicle camera, and imagesan image of an outside of the first vehicle 1 (e.g., a region in frontof, beside, behind the first vehicle 1 etc.). The imaging unit 11 maygenerate a continuous image of the outside of the first vehicle 1 whilethe first vehicle 1 runs and is stopped, and record the generated imageinto the storage unit 13. As an alternative example, an arbitrarycommunication terminal such as a smartphone or the like may function asthe imaging unit 11.

The positional information acquisition unit 12 includes at least onereceiver corresponding to an arbitrary satellite positioning system. Forexample, the positional information acquisition unit 12 may include aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver. The positional informationacquisition unit 12 detects positional information indicating a positionwhere the first vehicle 1 is stopped or runs. The positional informationacquisition unit 12 may further include an electronic compass, and mayacquire information on a direction in which the first vehicle 1 isoriented.

The storage unit 13 is a device that records or stores various pieces ofinformation, and includes at least one memory. “The memory” is, forexample, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory,or the like, but should not be limited thereto. Each memory that isincluded in the storage unit 13 may function as, for example, a mainstorage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cash memory. Thestorage unit 13 may store information on a result analyzed or processedby the control unit 14. The storage unit 13 may store a vehicle controlprogram of the own vehicle, various pieces of information on theoperation or control of the first vehicle 1, and the like.

The control unit 14 is equipped with at least one processor. “Theprocessor” may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processordesigned for a specific process. For example, an electronic control unit(ECU) mounted in the first vehicle 1 may function as the control unit14. The control unit 14 controls the operation of the first vehicle 1 asa whole. The control unit 14 controls the other functional units thatare included in the first vehicle 1, and performs all types of controlregarding the running or operation of the first vehicle 1. For example,the control unit 14 can acquire an image from the imaging unit 11, andanalyze the image.

The communication unit 15 includes a communication module thatestablishes communication between the first vehicle 1 and the server 2.The communication unit 15 may include, as necessary, a communicationmodule that establishes vehicle-to-vehicle communication between thefirst vehicle 1 and another vehicle without the intermediary of theserver 2. The communication unit 15 may include a communication modulethat is connected to the network NW, or a communication modulecorresponding to a mobile communication standard such as 4th Generation(4G), 5th Generation (5G), or the like. For example, a datacommunication module (DCM) or the like mounted in the first vehicle 1may function as the communication unit 15.

The input/output unit 16 includes an input interface that detects a userinput and that sends input information to the control unit 14. The inputinterface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitance key, a touchscreen provided integrally with a panel display, a microphone thatreceives a speech input, or the like, but should not be limited thereto.The input interface may be an arbitrary input unit. The input/outputunit 16 includes an output interface that outputs, to a user,information generated by the control unit 14 or information read outfrom the storage unit 13. The output interface is, for example, a paneldisplay or a head-up display that outputs information as an image, aspeaker that outputs information as a speech, or the like, but shouldnot be limited thereto. The output interface may be an arbitrary outputunit.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the server 2 is equipped with a servercommunication unit 21, a server storage unit 22, and a server controlunit 23.

The server communication unit 21 includes a communication module thatestablishes communication between the server 2 and the first vehicle 1and between the server 2 and the second vehicle 3. The servercommunication unit 21 may include a communication module that isconnected to the network NW. The server communication unit 21 canacquire information output from the first vehicle 1 or the secondvehicle 3, and transmit the information to another arbitrary terminalconnected via the network NW.

The server storage unit 22 is a device that records or stores variouspieces of information, and includes at least one memory. Each memorythat is included in the server storage unit 22 may function as, forexample, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cashmemory. The server storage unit 22 stores, for example, informationoutput from the first vehicle 1 or the second vehicle 3. The serverstorage unit 22 may store a server control program, or various programsregarding the operation or control of the information processing systemS as a whole.

The server control unit 23 is equipped with at least one processor. Theserver control unit 23 controls the server communication unit 21 and theserver storage unit 22, and performs all types of control regarding theoperation of the server 2 as a whole.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the second vehicle 3 is equipped with an imagingunit 31, a positional information acquisition unit 32, a storage unit33, a control unit 34, a communication unit 35, and an input/output unit36. The hardware configurations of the imaging unit 31, the positionalinformation acquisition unit 32, the storage unit 33, the control unit34, the communication unit 35, and the input/output unit 36 areidentical to the hardware configurations of the imaging unit 11, thepositional information acquisition unit 12, the storage unit 13, thecontrol unit 14, the communication unit 15, and the input/output unit 16respectively. In consequence, the description of those units is omittedherein.

A control method that is carried out by the information processingsystem S will be described hereinafter in detail. While running or beingstopped, the first vehicle 1 determines, according to an arbitrarymethod, whether or not the first vehicle 1 has got involved in anaccident. In concrete terms, the first vehicle 1 determines that thefirst vehicle 1 has got involved in an accident, for example, inresponse to detection of a predetermined impact in an airbag ECU, or inresponse to detection of the blurring of a video imaged by the imagingunit 11 or a predetermined sound (e.g., a collision sound, anoverturning sound, or the like). In the present embodiment, as anexample, a case where the first vehicle 1 has determined, from an imageimaged by the imaging unit 11 (see FIG. 3), that the first vehicle 1 hasgot involved in a rear-end accident with a preceding vehicle 9 will bedescribed.

When it is determined that the first vehicle 1 has got involved in anaccident, the first vehicle 1 acquires positional information on thefirst vehicle 1 via the positional information acquisition unit 12. Thepositional information corresponds to positional information on anaccident site. The first vehicle 1 associates the positional informationwith an accident notification, and transmits the accident notificationto the server 2.

The server 2 receives the accident notification from the at least onefirst vehicle 1, and stores the accident notification into the storageunit 13. FIG. 4 shows an example of the received accident notification.In the accident notification, the positional information is associatedwith an accident ID and stored.

In response to the reception of the accident notification from the firstvehicle 1, the server 2 extracts each vehicle that runs within apredetermined range from the accident site. In the present embodiment, aprocess that is performed by the server 2 upon receiving an accidentnotification A001 shown in FIG. 4 from the first vehicle 1 will bedescribed. At this time, the server 2 acquires positional information (acoordinate (P1, Q1), a coordinate (P2, Q2), and a coordinate (P3, Q3))on the at least one second vehicle 3 (referred to as a vehicle V001, avehicle V002, and a vehicle V003 for the sake of convenience ofexplanation) connected to the server 2 via the network NW, associatesthe positional information with the accident notification A001 as shownin FIG. 5, and stores the accident notification A001 into the storageunit 13.

The server 2 compares the positional information on the first vehicle 1with the positional information on each of the vehicle V001, the vehicleV002, and the vehicle V003, and extracts any vehicle that runs withinthe predetermined range from the accident site, from the vehicle V001,the vehicle V002, and the vehicle V003. For example, the server 2 canextract a vehicle that runs toward the accident site on a road within apredetermined distance from the accident site. The predetermineddistance is, for example, 10 m, but should not be limited thereto.

When it is determined that the vehicle V001 and the vehicle V002 runwithin the predetermined range from the accident site, the server 2 setsitems “within the predetermined range?” corresponding to the vehicleV001 and the vehicle V002, as “Y”, as shown in FIG. 5. When it isdetermined that the vehicle V003 runs outside the predetermined rangefrom the accident site, the server 2 sets an item “within thepredetermined range?” corresponding to the vehicle V003, as “N”, asshown in FIG. 5.

The server 2 transmits an imaging start command including the positionalinformation on the accident site to the at least one second vehicle 3that runs within the predetermined range (the vehicle V001 and thevehicle V002 in this case). The server 2 can sequentially carry out theaforementioned extraction and the aforementioned transmission atintervals of a predetermined time.

The second vehicle 3 that has received the imaging start commanddetermines a position of the accident site from the positionalinformation on the accident site included in the imaging start command.The second vehicle 3 images a periphery thereof at intervals of anarbitrary time through the use of the imaging unit 31, as long as thesecond vehicle 3 exists within the predetermined range from the accidentsite. The second vehicle 3 stores the imaged image into the storage unit33, and transmits the imaged image to the server 2. FIG. 6 shows anexample of the imaged image. In another of the embodiments, the secondvehicle 3 that has received the imaging start command images theperiphery thereof within a predetermined time (e.g., one minute) fromthe reception of the imaging start command, regardless of whether or notthe second vehicle 3 exists within the predetermined range from theaccident site. The second vehicle 3 may stop imaging after the lapse ofthe predetermined time.

The server 2 that has received the imaged image from the second vehicle3 analyzes the imaged image through the use of an arbitrary imageanalysis method, for example, machine learning or the like. For example,the server 2 can determine, from the imaged image, the number ofvehicles involved in a rear-end accident, the number of overturnedvehicles, the number of fallen people, the number of wounded people, andthe like, and determine a scale of the accident. The server 2 cancalculate, from the determined scale of the accident, the number ofemergency motor vehicles (e.g., ambulances or fire engines) to be sentto the accident site. The server 2 can detect how the situation of eachaccident site changes with time, by receiving a plurality of images froma plurality of the different second vehicles 3 at different imagingtimings as to the accident site. For example, the server 2 can detectthat there are flames rising from the first vehicle 1.

The server 2 associates an analysis result from the imaged image with anaccident ID, and stores the accident ID into the server storage unit 22.The server 2 may notify a terminal (e.g., a terminal installed at a firedepartment) connected via the network NW, of the analysis result.

The server 2 can analyze the imaged image, and determine whether or notan emergency motor vehicle has arrived at the accident site. When it isdetermined as a result of the analysis of the imaged image that theemergency motor vehicle has arrived at the accident site, the server 2stops the transmission of the imaging start command that has beensequentially carried out at intervals of the predetermined time.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a process that is performed by theinformation processing system S at an arbitrary timing.

In step S1, the first vehicle 1 determines whether or not the firstvehicle 1 has got involved in an accident. The method of determinationhas been described above, so the description thereof is omitted herein.

In step S2, if it is determined that the first vehicle 1 has gotinvolved in an accident (Yes in step S1), the first vehicle 1 transmits,to the server 2, an accident notification associated with positionalinformation on an accident site.

In step S3, upon receiving the accident notification, the server 2determines a position of the second vehicle 3, and determines that thesecond vehicle 3 runs within a predetermined range from the accidentsite.

In step S4, the server 2 transmits an imaging start command to thesecond vehicle 3 that runs within the predetermined range from theaccident site.

In step S5, upon receiving the imaging start command, the second vehicle3 starts imaging.

In step S6, the second vehicle 3 transmits the imaged image to theserver 2.

In step S7, the server 2 determines a scale of the accident from theimaged image.

In step S8, the server 2 calculates, from the determined scale of theaccident, the number of emergency motor vehicles to be sent to theaccident site.

In step S9, the server 2 receives a plurality of images imaged atdifferent timings from a plurality of the second vehicles 3, and detectshow the situation at the accident site changes with time.

In step S10, the server 2 notifies a predetermined terminal (e.g., aterminal at a fire department) of at least one piece of the informationacquired in steps S7 to S9.

In step S11, the server 2 determines in the imaged images whether or notan emergency motor vehicle has arrived at the accident site.

In step S12, if it is determined that the emergency motor vehicle hasarrived at the accident site (Yes in step S11), the server 2 stopstransmitting the imaging start command.

In step S13, after receiving the imaging start command, the secondvehicle 3 determines whether or not the own vehicle runs within apredetermined range from the accident site.

In step S14, if it is determined that the own vehicle does not runwithin the predetermined range from the accident site (No in step S13),the second vehicle 3 stops imaging.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the server 2transmits the imaging start command to the second vehicle 3 that runswithin the predetermined range from the accident site, in response tothe reception of the accident notification associated with thepositional information on the accident site, from the first vehicle 1.The server 2 receives the imaged image from the second vehicle 3. Owingto this configuration, the server 2 can collect the image of theaccident site from the second vehicle 3 that runs around the accidentsite. In consequence, the server 2 can grasp in an overviewing mannerthe situation of the accident from therearound, and hence can moreaccurately grasp the situation of the accident.

Besides, according to the present embodiment, the server control unit 23receives the plurality of the imaged images from the plurality of thesecond vehicles 3, and detects from the imaged images how the situationat the accident site changes with time. Owing to this configuration, theserver control unit 23 can grasp the latest situation at the accidentsite, and hence can more accurately grasp the situation at the accidentsite.

Besides, according to the present embodiment, the server control unit 23sequentially transmits the imaging start command to the plurality of thesecond vehicles 3, and stops transmitting the imaging start command upondetecting, in the imaged images received from the plurality of thesecond vehicles 3, that the emergency motor vehicle has arrived at theaccident site. Owing to this configuration, the server control unit 23can avoid imposing a wasteful processing load on the second vehicles 3.

Besides, according to the present embodiment, the server control unit 23determines the scale of the accident at the accident site, through theuse of the imaged image received from the second vehicle 3. Owing tothis configuration, the server control unit 23 can determine the scaleof the accident without recourse to human resources, so staff and thelike at the accident site can proceed with other important operations.

Besides, according to the present embodiment, the server control unit 23calculates, from the determined scale of the accident, the number ofemergency motor vehicles to be sent to the accident site. Owing to thisconfiguration, the server control unit 23 can send a sufficient numberof emergency motor vehicles, and hence can swiftly proceed with thetraffic control at the accident site or the tidying of the accidentsite.

The disclosure is described based on the various drawings and theembodiments, but it should be noted that those skilled in the art findit easy to make various modifications and corrections based on thepresent disclosure. Accordingly, it should be borne in mind that thesemodifications and corrections fall within the scope of the disclosure.For example, the functions and the like that are included in therespective means, the respective steps or the like can be rearrangedsuch that no logical contradiction occurs, and the plurality of themeans, the steps or the like can be combined into one or divided.

For example, in the aforementioned embodiment, when it is determinedthat the first vehicle 1 has got involved in an accident, the firstvehicle 1 associates the positional information on the first vehicle 1with the accident notification, and transmits the accident notificationto the server 2. In another of the embodiments, however, the firstvehicle 1 transmits the accident notification to a predetermined one ofthe second vehicles 3 instead of transmitting the accident notificationto the server 2. The second vehicle 3 that has received the accidentnotification acquires the positional information on the second vehicle 3via the positional information acquisition unit 32. When it isdetermined, based on the acquired positional information, that the ownvehicle runs within the predetermined range from the accident site, thesecond vehicle 3 starts imaging. The second vehicle 3 stores the imagedimage into the storage unit 33, and transmits the imaged image to theserver 2 via the communication unit 35.

It is possible to adopt a configuration in which each of an arbitraryvehicle and a server is caused to function as the first vehicle 1, thesecond vehicle 3, or the server 2 according to the aforementionedembodiment. In concrete terms, a program describing processing contentsfor realizing each function of the first vehicle 1, the second vehicle 3or the server 2 according to the embodiment is stored into the memory ofthe aforementioned arbitrary vehicle or the server, and the program isread out and executed by the processor of the arbitrary vehicle or theserver. Accordingly, the disclosure according to the present embodimentcan also be realized as the program that can be executed by theprocessor.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle that is equipped with a communicationunit, a storage unit, a control unit, and an imaging unit, and that isconfigured to be able to communicate with a server or another vehiclevia the communication unit, wherein the control unit determines aposition of the own vehicle in response to reception of an accidentnotification associated with positional information on an accident sitefrom the server or the another vehicle, starts imaging through use ofthe imaging unit when it is determined that the own vehicle runs withina predetermined range from the accident site, stores an imaged imageinto the storage unit, and transmits the imaged image via thecommunication unit.
 2. A vehicle control method for a vehicle that isequipped with a communication unit, a storage unit, a control unit, andan imaging unit and that is configured to be able to communicate with aserver or another vehicle via the communication unit, the methodcomprising: a step of determining a position of the own vehicle inresponse to reception of an accident notification associated withpositional information on an accident site from the server or theanother vehicle; a step of starting imaging through use of the imagingunit when it is determined that the own vehicle runs within apredetermined range from the accident site; and a step of storing animaged image into the storage unit and transmitting the imaged image viathe communication unit.
 3. A vehicle control program for causing avehicle that is equipped with a communication unit, a storage unit, acontrol unit, and an imaging unit and that is configured to be able tocommunicate with a server or another vehicle via the communication unitto carry out a step of determining a position of the own vehicle inresponse to reception of an accident notification associated withpositional information on an accident site from the server or theanother vehicle, a step of starting imaging through use of the imagingunit when it is determined that the own vehicle runs within apredetermined range from the accident site, and a step of storing animaged image into the storage unit and transmitting the imaged image viathe communication unit.